Calgary Reconnect Counselling Group

Sending love to all. We affirm all unique and positive aspects of your loving relationships.

We are heartbroken and horrified over the situation that is unfolding in Ukraine and Russia.

Our conscience compels us to state our support for the extraordinary courage of the people of Ukraine, who are facing an invasion and a humanitarian crisis.

As psychologists, we understand that conflict and human behaviour are complex. War is an extreme conflict; it is complex and tragic on a global scale.

The targeting of civilians in Ukraine directly devastates Ukrainian people as victims of an unprovoked attack.

It is challenging for our hearts and brains to simultaneously hold two thoughts that seem opposed. American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald famously wrote about the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. The term for this is dialectics; this is where two seemingly opposite things are true at the same time.

The tragedy of war times is so vast that it does not stop at the border. The horror of this war impacts the Ukrainian people. It also impacts the lives of ordinary people in Russia and other countries.

Here in Canada, we are hearing from kids—of Ukrainian heritage, of Russian heritage, and of both— who are expressing confusion and strong emotions, including deep sadness.

During times of tragedy, ordinary people are called to demonstrate extraordinary courage and compassion. We stand in compassion and strong support of the people of Ukraine and to people worldwide, especially kids, whose lives are being torn apart by this tragedy.

Our broken hearts go out to you all.

— CRCG DIrectors